Iron powder dispenser



Oct. 23, 1951 c. UPHAM IRON POWDER DISPENSER 2 SHEETS'SHEET- 1 Filed May 9, 1947 "AA/nail. i?555525;!!!1555555.

INVENTOR. Charles R Up/ram ATTORNEY Oct. 23, 1951 c. R. UPHAM 2,572,078

IRON POWDER DISPENSER Filed May 9, 1947 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 INVENTOR. Charles R.- Upham ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 23, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates to a dispenser system, and more particularly to apparatus for injecting powdered iron into an air stream. The powder laden air stream may then be injected into the flame of a burning or cutting torch, where its combustion greatly increases the flame temperature.

It is an object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for applying powder to a stream of fluid.

It is another object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for smoothly and evenly injecting a flow of powder into a stream of fluid, for example, an air stream.

It is another object of this invention to provide a dispenser by means of which the injection of a stream of powder into an air stream may be closely and accurately controlled.

It is a further object of this invention to provide in a powder dispenser system including a stream of powder-conveying air, means for directing the air past a powder feeding passage and for simultaneously agitating the powder in its container.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a powder dispenser in which powder is injected into an air stream by the aspirating action of the air stream enhanced by mechanical impelling members which aid in forcing the powder into the air stream.

It is an added object of this invention to provide a powder dispenser employing fluid under pressure to aspirate powder from a container while simultaneously utilizing the pressure of the fluid against the surface of the powder to enhance the ejection of the powder into the fluid stream. The double action of the fluid under pressure is further fortified by mechanical agitation of the powder within the container.

It is another object of this invention to provide a powder dispenser system including a bypass conduit whereby fluid may be continuously flowed through the ejection conduit of the system, thereby preventing clogging of the ejection line by stray powder' particles which might emerge from the powder container during nonoperation of the dispenser.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a burning torch control means whereby initiation of the cutting stream of the torch,

initiation of the powder conveying fluid, and initation of the powder agitating means are all effected simultaneously through a single control member.

- In accordance with these objects, there is proamended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) vided improved apparatus which is briefly described as follows.

Down the center of a powder container there is rotatably mounted a tube, the inside of the tube communicating at one end with the exterior of the container, and thence with an ejection conduit leading to an oxy-acetylene torch. Through the wall of the tube near the bottom thereof are drilled a number of holes which provide passage for iron powder from the container into the tube and thence into the ejection conduit. Means are provided for flowing a stream of air downwardly in the tube past the passage holes, thereby to aspirate powder into the flowing stream of air.

Feeding of the powder into the air stream is enhanced by agitating the powder in the vicinity of the passage holes, such agitation being effected by rotating the tube within the container. To further enhance the powder feeding, scoop members are provided which force the powder into the passage holes.

Valve means are provided for selectively directing the air downwardly in the tube or into a by-pass conduit which shunts the container entirely. When the apparatus is not in use, air flowing in the by-pass conduit keeps the ejection conduit free of possible clogging by powder.

Means are provided for actuating the valve means to start the air flow through the tube and simultaneously initiate rotation of the tube to agitate the powder. These operations are also synchronized with the start of the cutting flame in the oxyacetylene torch.

This invention will now be particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a burning torch system employing iron powder dispensed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates the dispenser of this invention as employed in the system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a partial top view of the dispenser, taken along line 33 in Fig. 2, showing the powder feed adjustment.

, Fig. 4 is a detail view taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 2 and showing one of the scoop members.

Fig. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 4, illustrating the powder feeding holes in the tubes.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 66 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross section at the bottom of the tubes, illustrating how the inner tube is sealed against the outer tube.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross section of a torch tip which may be used in conjunction with this invention.

Fig. 9 is an end view of the torch tip of Fig. 8.

Referring now to Fig. 1, thereis shown a conventional oxy-acetylene torch having a tip l2 fed from a source ofoxygen l3 and a source of acetyleneand oxygen I4. In order to obtain a hotter flame from the torch tip l2, thetorch contains a third conduit l5 which is supplied with air from an .air com pressor l5. Mixed with the air is a very small percentage of iron powder injected into the .air Stream from a powder dispenser H.

In operation, air from compressor l6 flows through an air dryer l8 and thence through a two-way valve l9, to be more particularly described hereinafter. When actual cutting is taking place, the air is directed by valve l9 into a conduit 2| and thence into the dispenser H where a steady flow of iron powder is injected into the air stream. The powder-laden air emerges at the bottom of the dispenser I! through an ejection conduit 22 which is connected to torch conduit l5.

When actual cutting with the torch H is not taking place, it is desired that a continuous stream of air flow through the ejection conduit 22; to this end a by-pass conduit 23 is provided which is connected to the two-way valve l9 mentioned above. Valve I3 is operated by a solenoid 24 energized through any suitable source of electric power connected to the terminals 25, the energization of solenoid 24 being controlled by a switch 26. Also energized through terminals 25 and controlled by switch 29 concurrently with control of the solenoid 24, is a motor 21 mounted atop the dispenser I1 and connected through a gear 28 to powder agitatin means, which are mounted within the dispenser l1, and which will be described more particularly hereinafter.

In the conventional operation of an oxy-acetylene burning torch, the flow of acetylene and oxygen from the source through the tip l2 constitutes a pre-heating stream, which is maintained continuously during use of the torch. When it is desired to actually make a cut, a valve 29 in the oxygen line 3| is opened, allowing a cutting stream of oxygen to flow from the source l3 into the tip l2, where it increases the temperature of the tip flame 32 to the point where cutting may be effected by the torch.

In accordance with the instant invention, there is provided in conjunction with the operating lever 33 of the valve 29, the switch 26, already mentioned. Thus when the valve 29 is opened to start the cuttin flame, switch 28 is simultaneously closed, thereby energizing solenoid 24, which operates valve l9 to cause air from compressor IE to flow through conduit 2| into the dispenser H, where it receives a steady injection of iron powder, which mixes with the air stream. Closing of switch 26 also energizes motor 21 thereby initiating agitation of the powder in the dispenser H, to aid in the smooth and even injection of powder into the air stream. The powder laden air emerges from dispenser through ejection conduit 22 and flows into conduit I5 of the torch II, from which it is mixed,

in the tip l2, into the streams of oxygen and acetylene-oxygen. The iron powder thus injected into the flame 32 immediately burns and greatly increases the temperature of the flame.

Thus upon actuation of the lever 33, three events occur simultaneously to change the flame 32 from a low temperature pre-heating flame into an extremely high temperature cutting flame. These three events are: the opening of valve 29, which passes the cutting stream of oxygen from the source l3 to the tip l2; the actuation of valve I9, which deflects the air stream from the by-pass conduit .23 into the dispenser H; and the energization of motor 27, which sets in operation the powder agitating means in the dispenser I! to aid in forcing powder into the air stream and out of the ejection conduit 22.

The dispenser I? and associated control mechanisms will now be particularly described with reference to Fig. 2 and the detail Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. In Fig. 2 the dispenser I1 is shown comprised of an upright container 34 having a conically formed bottom portion 35. Container 34 is closed by a top 33 and has a filling tube 31 mounted in the side thereof by means of which iron powder 38 may be placed into the container 34.

Extending centrally downward in the container 34 is a tube 39 which emerges from the container 34 at top and bottom thereof. Tube 39 is rotatably mounted in the container 34, packing glands 49 being provided at top and bottom to prevent escape of powder and/or air from the container around the outside of the tube 39. Tube 33 is journaled at top and bottom in bearings 4|.

Through the wall of tube 39, near the' bottom of container 34, are drilled a plurality of holes 42 (see Fig. 5), which serve as passage means through which powder '38 may flow from container 34 into tube 39 and thence downwardly into the ejection conduit 22. To aid in forcing powder into the holes 42 as the tube 39 is rotated, there are provided a plurality of scope members 43, which are affixed to the tube 39 immediately adjacent the holes 42. Each hole 42 is provided with a scoop member 43. The scoop members are open at one end as shown at 44 in Fig. 6 and are closed at the other end 45. Thus as tube 39 is rotated (clockwise in Fig. 6) powder is forced through the open portions 44 of scoop members 43 and thence into the tube 39 through the holes 42.

Tube 39 is rotated by means of gear 28, previously mentioned, which is afiixed near the top of the tube by a set screw 46. Gear 28 meshes with a driving pinion 41, which is in turn driven through helical pinions 48 by the motor 27. Air is admitted to the inside of tube 39 through a plurality of holes 49 drilled through the wall of tube 39 near the upper portion thereof and well above the top surface of powder 38. The air conduit 2| connects with the container 34 also above the level of the powder 38.

Thus in operation, air flows from conduit 2| into the space above the powder 33, where it exerts a downward pressure on the powder and thereby aids in forcing powder through the holes 42 into the tube 39. From the region above the powder 38 the air flows through the holes 49 into the tube 39 and downwardly past the holes 42, where its aspirating action tends to draw powder from the container 34 into the air stream. Injection of the powder into the air stream is further enhanced by rotation of the tube 39 by motor 21, which causes the scoops 43 to force the powder into the holes 42, and thence into the tube 39. The powder laden air flows downwardly into the ejection conduit 22.

In order to adjustably control the rate of powder injection into the air stream, shutter means are provided for the holes 42,50 that the effective passage opening through the holes may be selectively varied from full open position to completely closed position. This shutter means assumes the form of an inner tube 5| having an outside diameter slightly smaller then the inside diameter of the tube 39, so that a sliding fit of the tube 5| within the tube 39 may be effected. In the wall of the tube 5| are drilled a plurality of holes 52 (Fig. 5) which register with the holes 42 in the tube 39. When the holes 52 fully overlie the holes 42, the passage cross section is largest, and a maximum amount of powder enters the tube 39 to mix with the air stream therein. By rotating the inner tube 5| with respect to the tube 39, the effective passage may be continuously decreased until it is shut off completely, if desired.

Rotar adjustment of the inner tube 5| within the tube 39 is provided as follows. Atop the tube 39 (Fig. 2) is secured an annular plate, 53. The upper end of the inner tube 5| projectsout of tube 39 and above plate 53 slightly, and to it is secured a disk 54 (Fig. 3). The disk 54 overlies the plate 53 and is adjustably secured thereto by means of bolts 55, angular adjustment being obtained by the provision of arcuate slots 56 in which ride the upper portions of the bolts 55.

, By unscrewing the bolts 55 slightly the bond between the disk 54 and the plate 53 may be released, allowing. the disk 54 to be angularly adjusted with respect to the plate 53,,following which the bolts 55 are tightened to resecure the members 54 and 53. Inasmuch as the disk 54 is secured to the inner tube 5|, and the plate 53 is secured to the tube 39, angular adjustment between the members 54 and 53 produces a corresponding angular adjustment of the inner tube 5| within the tube 39, in turn altering the efiective passage opening formed by the registration of the holes 42 and 52. The rate of powder fiow into the tube 39 is thus determined.

. To indicate the position of relative adjustment between the two tubes, the plate 53 is provided at its outer edge with an arcuate scale member 51 which cooperates With an indicating pointer 58 secured to the adjacent edge of the disk 54. A packing ring 59 is placed between the disk 54 and the plate 53 to prevent leakage of air from the annular space between the two tubes 5| and 39.

A bottom seal between the two tubes is provided by outwardly flaring the bottom edge of the inner tube 5| as shown in Fig. 7 so that it presses against the inside of the tube 39. It will be understood that in use the tubes 5| and 39 rotate together, the only relative movement between them occurring upon adjustment of registration between holes 42 and 52, which is done when the apparatus is not in operation.

Passage of air into the center of the inner tub 5| is permitted by providing the inner tube with a pluralit of holes 69 which register with the air holes 49 in the tube 39. Holes 60 and 49 are of the same size and are of diameter. sufficiently larger than the holes 4252 so that air is always permitted to flow from the container 34 into the inner tube 5| even when the tubes are so adjusted that the holes 52 are completely out of registration with the holes 42.

In order to maintain the apparatus upright, the container 34 has a plurality of outwardly extending legs 6|, to one of which is secured the two-way air valve l9 and the operating solenoid 24. The valve and solenoid assemblymay spring 6 consist of any suitable device and in the" mbodi-=-. ment shown is pictured as having a casing, 52 in which reciprocates a valve member 63 having a passage 64 carved in the periphery thereof. To the valve casing 62 are connected the incoming air conduit 65, the dispenser air conduit 2|, and the by-pass conduit 23, the other end of the latter joining the ejection conduit at 96. The. incoming conduit 65 is centrally disposed, so that in the upper position of the valve member '53, the passage 94 directs the air into the by-pass conduit 23, while the valve member 63 blocks passage of air into the dispenser conduit 2|. In the lower position of the valve member 63, the passage 54 directs incoming air into the dispenser conduit 2| and the member 63 blocks passage of air into the by-pass conduit 23. The operating rod 61 of the valve member 63 is connected to a plunger 68 which reciprocates within a solenoid coil 69. The plunger 68 and the valve member 53 are biased upwardly by a compression interposed between the bottom of plunger 6 8 and the floor of the casing 62.

It will be readily seen that when the coil 69 is not energized, the spring maintains valve member 63 raised to direct the incoming air into the by-pass conduit 23. With energization of the coil 69, the valve member 63 is pulled down to direct incoming air into the dispenser conduit 2|.

The energizing connections 12 for the motor: 21 are in parallel with the connections 13 for the coil 69, so that air is directed into the tube 39 simultaneously with the rotation of tube 39 which forces powder through the holes 42-52 into the air stream.

The filling tube 31 is provided with a cap 14' which prevents the escape of air from the container 34.

If desired, the incoming air conduit may be provided with a manually operable valve 15 and an air gauge 16.

The torch tip l2, shown in Fig. 8, comprises any suitable burning tip in which three fluidsmay be combined at the point of the tip. As seen in Fig. 8, the pre-heating stream consisting of acetylene and oxygen enters the base of the tip through six longitudinal passages 71, and emerges from the nose of the tip atlB. The cutting stream consisting of oxygen enters the base of the tip through an axial passage; 19 and emerges therefrom through the central opening 9|. The stream of powder laden air enters the base of the tip through six axial' grooves 92, from whence it flows into an annular space 83 formed between the tip I 2' and a tubular sleeve 84. The powder laden air emerges; at'the point of the tip through six grooves 85. which are inwardly directed so as to cause the stream of iron powder to converge into the cut.-v ting stream emerging from the axial opening 8|.

Operation The complete operation of the apparatus 01" this invention is as follows. During stand by operation of the torch, air flows from compres sor 16 through dryer l8 and into valve l9. Solenoid 24 being unenergized, valve |9 directs the air into by-pass conduit 23 from which it emerges into the ejection conduit 22 where it keeps the air passage l5 free of iron powder which might possibly clog the passage. The airhas no appreciable effect upon the pre-heating flame 32 created from the burning acetyleneand oxygen coming from source l4. Whenegamma cutting: fl'ameis desired, lever: 33 is, actuated to open valve 29', thereby-causing a cutting stream 01 oxygen to flow into the-tip [2 from thesource Q32 Simultaneously switchZS is closed, energizingsolenoid and motor 21,

Energizationof solenoid 24- causes coil- 89 thereof to pull-plunger 5S and valve member'63 downward, thereby diverting the air flow from the-by-pass conduit 23' into the dispenser conduit 21. The air from conduit 21-! flows into the container 34 where it exerts a: downwardpressure-on theiron powder 38. The air then flows throughthe'holes 49 and 53 into the-inner. tube- 51; In tubeilthe air flows downwardly past the-holes '5i!'42' and emerges from the dispenser-through'the ejection conduit 22; laden with. iron powder;

" The energization of motor 2 6 rotatesgear 28 thereby rotating the tube assembly 39-5l' secured to the gear. The direction of rotation of the-tube 3fi is clockwise (Fig. 8) so that the scoop'members 43 force powder'from the'container 34 through the holes 42-52 and into the air stream flowing downwardly in the inner tube 51. 'There are thus three forces impelling a smooth and even flow of powder into the air stream: (1) the aspirating action of the air flow past the holes 52- l2, (2) the mechanical impelling or agitating caused by the scoop members 43, and (3) the air pressure on the surface of the iron powder.

From the ejection conduit 22 the powder laden air flows into the conduit l5 of the torch H and thence out the passages 85 of the tip 12, wherethe-stream of powderccnverges with the cutting flame 32, greatly intensifying theheat thereof.

From the above description, it will be seen that there has been provided improved means for intensifying the heat of a cutting flame by expeditiously introducing a stream of ironpowder-laden air into the flame,

It will be understood that this invention may be made and utilized in any suitable shape, size, or'arrangement, depending upon the object to be accomplished and that various modifications and changes may be made in this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof asset forth in the appended claims.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmentalpurposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

What'is claimed is:

1. A dispenser comprising a container adapted to'hold material to be dispensed, a tube rotatably mounted in said container, the inside of said tube communicating with the exterior of said container, a passageway between the interior of said container and the inside of said tube through which material may pass, a scoop member mounted on the outside of said tube adjacent said passageway effective upon rotation of said tube to force material into the inside of said tube, and means for rotating said tube.

2,; A dispenser comprising a container adapted tohold material to be dispensed, a tube rotatably mounted in said container, the inside of said tube communicating with the exterior of said container;- a. passageway between the interior of said container and the inside of said tube through which material may pass, a scoop membermounted;onthe. outside of said tube adjacent said passageway'efiective upon rotation. of said tube-.to:

force materialiintotheainside ofsaidtube, shut-:- ter means mountedacross said passageway, said shutter means. being adjustable to control: the flowbf materialiinto the inside of said tube, and means fon rotating-said tube.

3: A dispenser comprising a container adaptecb to holdmaterial to be :dispensed, a tube rotatably. mounted within said container, at least a portion of the outer surface-0f said tube being in direct. communication: withthe interior of said. cons tainen. the insideofJsaid. tube communicating with the exterior of said container,. a passagea way between the interior of said'container and; the inside of said tube,- defiector means disposed outsidev saidtube adjacent said passageway eiiiecs tiveto deflect material into said passageway upon rotation of said tube; and. means ior: rotating said tube in said container.

4.- A dispenser comprising a containeradapted to hold material to be dispensed, a tube rotatablymounted within said container, at least. a portion of tl1v.=.=outer-surface of said-tube beingin direct communication with the interior. or said con;- tainer, the: inside of said tube communicating with theexteriorof said container, a passageway. between the'interior of said container and the inside of'said tube, deflector means disposed out side said tube adjacent said passageway effeca tive to deflect'material into said passageway upon rotation of said tube, means for rotating said tube in said container, and means for. injecting a. stream of fluid into said tube past said passagemeans, thereby to. draw material through said passageway into-the stream of fluid inside said-tube.

5a A dispenser comprising a container adapted: to hold material-to be dispensed, a first tube rota-ta-bly mountedinsaid container, the inside of: said-first tube-communicating with the exterior of-said container, said first-tube having an opening inthe wall thereof through which material may passfrom the interior of said container to the inside of said first tube and thence to the exterior of said container, an inner tube mounted coaxially and adjustably within said first tube and serving; to=close the opening in the wall of said first-tube; saidinner tube having an opening in the wall thereofefi'ective to register with the opening insaid first'tube upon predetermined'adjustmentbf saidinnertube within said first tube, and means for rotating said tubes.

6: A dispensercomprising a container adapted tohold material to be. dispensed, a first tube r0.-

tatably mounted insaid container, the inside oi. said flrsttube: communicating withthe exterior? of-said-container, said firsttube. having an opening in -the wall thereof through which material mayrpass .from the: interior ofisaid container-to the. inside-of-said first tube and thence to the ex-- terior of said' container, an inner tube mounted coaxially. andadjustably within said first. tube and servingtoclose the opening in the wall ofsaid first tube, said inner tube having an opening ill-the; wall thereof efiective to register with theopening-in said first tube upon predetermined adjustment of said inner tube within said first tube, andizmeans for admitting a stream of fluid into said inner tube, whereby to mix said material into 7. A dispensercomprising a container adapted toholdi material to be dispensed, a first tube rotatably mounted in said container, the inside of may pass from the interior of said container to the inside of said first tube and thence to the exterior of said container, an inner tube mounted coaxially and adjustably within said first tube and serving to close the opening in the wall of said first tube, said inner tube having an opening in the wall thereof effective to register with the opening in said first tube upon predetermined adjustment of said inner tube within said first tube, a scoop member mounted on the outside of said first tube adjacent the opening in the wall thereof effective upon rotation of said first tube to force material from said container into the opening in said first tube wall, and motive means for rotating said first tube.

8. A dispenser comprising a container adapted to hold material to be dispensed, a first tube rotatably mounted in said container, the inside of said first tube communicating with the exterior of said container, said first tube having an opening in the wall thereof through which material may pass from the interior of said container to the inside of said first tube and thence to the exterior of said container, an inner tube mounted coaxially and adjustably within said first tube and serving to close the opening in the wall of said first tube, said inner tube having an opening in the wall thereof effective to register with the opening in said first tube upon predetermined adjustment of said inner tube within said first tube, a scoop member mounted on the outside of said first tube adjacent the opening in the wall thereof effective upon rotation of said first tube to force material from said container into the opening in said first tube wall, conduit means for admitting a stream of fluid into said' inner tube, valve means in said conduit means for controlling said admitting means, motive means operatively connected to said first tube for rotating the same, and control means connected to said valve means and said motive means for simultaneously actuating the same.

9. A dispenser comprising a container adapted to hold material to be dispensed, a tube rotatably mounted in said container, the inside of said tube communicating with the exterior of said container, a passageway between the interior of said container and the inside of said tube through which material may pass to the exterior of said container, a scoop member mounted on the outside of said tube adjacent said passageway effective upon rotation of said tube to force material from said container into said passageway, a fluid conduit communicating with said container, another passageway through the wall of said tube spaced axially from said first mentioned passageway through which fluid may flow from said con- 10 tainer into said tube and thence past said first mentioned passageway, and motive means for rotating said tube.

10. A dispenser comprising a container adapted to hold material to be dispensed, a first tube rotatably mounted in said container, the inside of said first tube communicating with the exterior of said container, said first tube having an opening in the wall thereof through which material may pass from the interior of said container to the inside of said first tube and thence to the exterior of said container, an inner tube mounted coaxially and rotatably within said first tube and serving to close the opening in the wall of said first tube, said inner tube having an opening in the wall thereof efiective to register with the opening in said first tube upon predetermined rotational adjustment of said inner tube within said first tube, a scoop member mounted on the outside of said first tube adjacent the opening in the wall thereof effective upon rotation of said first tube to force material from said container into the opening in said first tube wall, a fluid conduit communicating with said container, a passageway through the respective walls of said tubes spaced axially from said openings through which fluid may flow from said container into said inner tube and thence past said openings, a valve in said fluid conduit, motive means for rotating said first tube, and control means for simultaneously actuating said valve and said motive means.

CHARLES R. UPHAM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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